i've been waiting to do that. >> we have all been waiting for that drumroll. it is official now. welcome back, robin. >> yeah. [ applause ] >> and you can hear the cheers out in times square just a minute ago. and look at everybody early this morning, coming in to welcome robin. even earlier than normal, robin. here before 5:00 this morning. the crew is here. all of abc news. >> oh, thanks so much. and i have to say, i keep pinching myself. i keep pinching myself. and i realize that this is real. this is actually happening. and i don't have any froggy slippers on. or do i? but faith, family and friends, have brought me to this moment. and i am so full of gratitude. there's so many people that i want to thank throughout the morning. my doctors and nurses and family and colleagues.

and people who have sat in this chair. those who have blazed the trail before me. as my mother said, we all have something. and everyone's story has purpose and meaning and value. and i share this morning, this day of celebration, with everyone. >> and we have a lot of surprises. >> oh, no. >> for you. we're going to start with one from 1600 pennsylvania avenue. >> wow. >> good morning, america. and welcome back, robin. >> robin, we just want you to know that the whole obama family, we've been thinking about you and praying for you and rooting for you every step of the way. >> you've been an inspiration to all of us. and we couldn't be happier that you're back here, doing what you do best. >> and personally, i'm looking forward to our interview together in a couple of days. >> robin, it's great to see you back in that chair. and we're all excited to start our morning with you once again. ♪ i'm on top of the world >> that is so incredibly special. i do have little bangs right

here. the hair's growing in a little more. that's very special for them to do that. and i am looking forward to sitting down with mrs. obama. >> it's going to be great. >> grab your coffee, america. settle in, because this feels right. >> for the first time, i'm speechless. i love you. >> that's really saying something. josh, we have the scary explosion in kansas city. >> we do have breaking news to get to. but today, it follows the best news of all. we love you. welcome back. we're going to turn, now, to kansas city and that massive explosion you saw at the top of the show. it leveled part of a shopping complex in kansas city. police, right now, are searching for any people who might still be trapped in the rubble. abc's alex perez has been on the scene all night and joins us now with the very latest. good morning, alex. >> reporter: good morning, josh. and welcome back, robin. right here in kansas city, at least one person remains unaccounted for. investigators are using cadaver dogs to help them comb through this debris. it was dinnertime when this explosion turned everything

upside-down. witnesses say the massive fireball, which engulfed an entire city block, could be seen for miles. the explosion, rattling windows blocks away. >> everything shook. and it was -- you could feel it, almost as much as you could hear it. it was, by far, the biggest explosion i'd ever felt in my life. >> reporter: overnight, 100 firefighters worked to knock back the thick, black smoke and shooting flames, which forced onlookers to flee this kansas city shopping district just around 6:00 p.m. and injured more than a dozen. >> this was a happy hour at a restaurant. there were patrons in the restaurant. we're also concerned that there may be additional people that were not able to get out of the structure. >> reporter: this morning, investigators are trying to figure out what caused the blaze. but believe a contractor may have hit an underground natural gas line. >> we were grabbing our stuff. and the explosion hit. and it hits you like a shockwave. >> reporter: witnesses say gas fumes could still be smelled hours after firefighters got the flames under control.

again, one person remains unaccounted for. 16 others had to be treated for their injuries. authorities say, at this point, amazingly, there's no reports of any fatalities. josh? >> alex perez, in kansas city. thank you for that. police south of los angeles are trying to figure out what exactly prompted a man to go on a wild shooting spree during the morning commute there. the 20-year-old killed a woman at his home and carjacked several people during his escape, shooting one man execution-style, as nearby drivers watched in horror. when it was over, four people were dead, including the shooter, who took his own life. and on wall street, the dow begins the morning roughly 100 points from setting an all-time record. but this market joyride may be short-lived. there are new concerns about gas prices dragging down the overall economy. prices are now rising at the fastest rate since 2005. and in washington, some $85

billion in government spending cuts are due to take effect on march 1st, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs, unless lawmakers can find a way to compromise. and workers at apple, who long boasted their macs are immune to viruses, have fallen victim to the hackers that hit facebook and twitter. the attack is traced to eastern europe. apple plans to release a software update for mac users. and finally, she is at it again. a dramatic, new eruption at italy's mt. etna, sending a fountain of fire. one might even call it -- >> magma. >> -- shooting into the sky. experts say she may be entering a new period of increased activity. we all want you to know how hard it was to book the tectonic plates for robin's return. to "gma." we got it done. when that crossed the wires yesterday, there was hosanna. >> josh, thanks so much.

oscar pistorius, back inside a south african court for the second day of his bail hearing. stunning details being released by police this morning. and abc's bazi kanani with the latest from south africa. good morning, bazi. >> reporter: good morning, robin. and a big welcome back to you. in court this morning, the key witness on the stand was the chief investigator in the case against oscar pistorius. he talked about what he found inside pistorius' house, the night his girlfriend was shot. and explained the main reasons prosecutors insist this was murder. prosecutors say there is no way the shooting death of oscar pistorius' girlfriend, model reeva steenkamp, was an accident. they say forensics suggest that pistorius was in a standing position master bathroom when he shot the model. who was behind a locked door in a smaller powder room. prosecutors say they found two boxes of testosterone in the bedroom.

but prosecutors maintain witnesses heard constant arguing. we have a witness who says she heard nonstop shouting and fighting between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. prosecutor gerrie nel. he said another witness saw lights on at the time of the gunshots. both claims, directly contradicting what pistorius said happened on that valentine's day. when he says, after a quiet night at home, in the pitch-dark, he accidentally shot steenkamp through a bathroom door, mistaking her for an intruder. and then, desperately trying to save her when he realized his mistake. i tried to render the assistance to reeva that i could. but she died in my arms, said pistorius. prosecutors say ballistic evidence also will show pistorius lied when he said he was not wearing his prosthetic legs when he fired his gun. but that, in fact, he had taken the time to put them on first. prosecutor nel asked officer botha. you were there? what was the angle?

officer botha, seems to me down. nel, through the top part of the door, not the bottom? officer botha, definitely. as new details come out, reeva's brother, adam steenkamp, spoke to "good morning america" from his family's home in port elizabeth. >> we're not focusing on what's happening with oscar at the moment. >> reporter: prosecutors are arguing pistorius should not get bail because of the amount of money he has in offshore bank accounts, they consider him a potential flight risk. george? >> okay, bazi. thanks. let's get more from "gma" legal analyst, dan abrams. i was struck by a tweet from the bbc in the courtroom. after they presented its case, the pistorius family looked relieved. and they quoted a junior prosecution official saying, we're in trouble. >> i'm surprised by that, as well. welcome back, robin. i was really surprised. why? because the prosecution has already presented a pretty strong case here, with all of the evidence laid out, about

what happened there. but this has been an effective cross-examination. no question about it, of the police detective. undermining some of the evidence. in particular, for example, an ear witness. remember, really important point. were they fighting before this happened? the prosecution says, yes. well, on cross-examination, the police detective concedes that this ear witness was 600 meters away. could not necessarily have heard exactly what she was saying or he was saying. >> on the other hand, you have this police official saying that pistorius must have put on those prosthetic legs because of the angle of the shooting. >> yeah, ballistics is complicated. all we're hearing so far in this bail hearing -- that's all we're talking about right here. this is a bail hearing. this isn't the trial. this is to determine whether he gets released on bail. this officer saying, it seemed to him they were coming from the top of the door, versus the bottom of the door. well, this is a science here. there's going to be enormous amounts of testimony that will come in about ballistics that will be crucial. i don't think we've heard enough. >> and chances he gets bail, very low. >> the chances -- i don't know.

i think that it's unlikely he'll be released. but i think he has a shot. >> dan abrams, thanks very much. >> all right, george. now, to an abc news exclusive and a live report from inside iran, as they get ready to head into negotiations over the nuclear program with the u.s. and other nations. abc's david muir has just arrived and joins us now from tehran. good morning, david. >> reporter: robin, just to hear your voice, a half a world away, enough to make us smile. the whole crew here, behind the camera, welcoming you back, even here in iran. and as you mentioned, robin, it's a critical moment here. we're inside this country because u.s. sanctions against this economy have crippled the economy here. and just days away, now, from iran returning to the negotiating table over its nuclear program. and as you point out, in a very rare move, they've allowed us in to report from the streets of tehran. this is a tenuous time here, just days before iran returns to the nuclear negotiating table with the u.s. and others, since talks collapsed eight months ago. this morning, as we drove through this city of 12 million,

it is a city squeezed, not only by the traffic, but by the ever-tightening economic sanctions, led by the u.s. some of the cars clogging these streets, tripling in price. it's groceries, medicine, if you're lucky enough to find it. and as headed into the subway, it is a proud republic, where the roles of men and women are still well defined. and the front car says women-only right here. many say the currency is in a free-fall. losing 80% of its value just in the last year. and there's fears among many here that the economy is heading towards collapse. but will the sanctions work? iran's supreme leader, ayatollah khamenei, speaking to americans just before these nuclear talks, telling the iranian people, we will not negotiate under pressure. the u.s. is pointing a gun at iran and wants us to talk to them. the iranian nation will not be intimidated by these actions. some very stern words there from

the supreme leader. and, robin, on a bit of a personal note here, i wanted to be one of the hundreds that tweeted you to welcome you back here. but a rude awakening here in iran because twitter is blocked in this country. facebook, blocked. all social networking. it gives you an idea of how controlled the message still is here in iran. so, my message comes from the heart, robin. we'll save those tweets for later. >> thank you very much. we're going to turn to washington now. and vice president joe biden unplugged. as part of his leading role in the president's efforts to prevent gun violence, he was taking questions yesterday from readers of "parents" magazine. abc's jon karl was listening in as both biden and the parents got more than they bargained for. >> reporter: here's a side of joe biden you don't see every day. >> buy a shotgun. buy a shotgun. >> reporter: he wasn't doing a commercial for his favorite gun shop. he was responding to online

questions from "parents" magazine. he seemed to get a little rattled when some of the questions came from people unhappy with the president's gun proposal. >> do you believe that banning certain weapons and high-capacity magazines will mean that law-abiding citizens will then become more of a target to criminals, as we will have no way to sufficiently protect ourselves. that came up again and again. >> is this "parents" magazine? i've never heard anybody in "parents" magazine ask these kinds of questions. what's her name? >> kate. >> kate, if you want to protect yourself, get a double-barrel shotgun. have the shells, a .12 gauge shotgun. >> reporter: the vice president said that's exactly what he told his wife to do. >> i said, jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here, or walk out. put that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house. i promise you, whoever is coming in is not going to -- you don't need an ar-15. it's harder to aim. it's harder to use. and, in fact, you don't need 30 rounds to protect yourself.

>> reporter: biden is the president's pointman on gun control. but he's also repeatedly tried to show that he's a believer in the second amendment. to another reader of "parents" magazine, he said, i have two shotguns at home. nobody is going to come and take my guns. and, george, i have to say one more thing. from all of us here in washington, welcome back, robin. awesome to have you back. >> jon, thank you. >> great to hear it. a very blunt joe biden. let's move on now to the mustard marketing campaign that had everyone saying, do you have any grey poupon? it's back after 16 years, but with a twist. nick watt has the story, on whether the push will cut the mustard. >> pardon me, would you have any grey poupon? >> but, of course. >> reporter: that was then. commercials that went viral before we even knew what that meant. and this is now. die-hard-style redux of a

campaign that's been off our screens for 16 years. it aired during the oscars sunday night. >> grey poupon is throwing $1.7 million at this ad. but they're hoping it's going to have a lot of legs and it will go viral. >> reporter: and save this ancient mustard, struggling in today's crowded luxury condiments market. they are looking to the idea that people with a british accent and eat in the back of a rolls-royce have impeccable taste in mustard. but, in 2013, do people still remember? pardon me, do you have any grey poupon? sure. sure, the older crowd remembers. the youngsters? pardon me, would you have any grey poupon? okay. you're way too young. grey poupon. they were great commercials. will the new commercial win her

over? >> well, of course. >> reporter: for "good morning america," nick watt, abc news, los angeles. >> oldie but a goodie. >> a real gift for you. a vintage nick watt. >> i missed nick. and i missed turning this way to say, sam with the weather. >> good morning, robin roberts. good morning, everybody. we're going to start with a rough day in california. how about two tornadoes reported from redding to sacramento. they get probably 11 tornadoes in california in the course of a year. but it's a little unusual to have two reported. if they happen, they happen around this time. and you got a little hit of snow, as well. so, above 900 feet in sacramento you were getting snow. snow levels in southern california, came to 2,000 feet. this is a big storm in the making. watch where it goes now because this is critical for you to understand. there's a level of ice here that goes through oklahoma, kansas, missouri and a little bit of arkansas, as well, today. big snowmaker on top. huge storms in the south. we'll track this for you. so will your local abc stations. so, you know exactly what happens with this giant storm that moves into the country.

there's cold air here, 27 below at international falls. that northern line is ice and snow.

>> everything's exactly the way it should be here. all right. all that weather brought to you by royal caribbean cruises. robin? >> i just noticed. is this a bigger desk? >> yes. >> a little bit. >> not big enough for lara. >> i did notice that. coming up, kelly clarkson's heated war of words with music mogul clive davis. why she says she refuses to be bullied. and feeling stronger every day. how robin got into fighting shape, ready to return just five months after her bone marrow transplant. robin, here's a message from our alma mater, espn. >> robin, everybody's welcoming you back, mostly to "gma" and to news. no, no, no. we know where your home is. we know where you started. sports. we're happy to have you back. >> and we love you. keep on smiling.

and keep on doing what you've been doing, girl. you're doing your thing. >> we love you, robin. thank you very much for being such an inspiration to so many people. >> and even though we don't elect stuff at espn, i would elect you as first lady of espn. >> congrats for coming back. >> glad you're back. >> glad you're back. hd 4. hd 4. [ anouncer ] ihop is in time square to compare

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>> now, from abc7 news , good morning, i am eric thomas. developing news from san francisco, repairs are made after a water main break in san francisco and the cable car line has been cut. muni will run a bus in the area. a 12" water main burst of after 2:00 a.m. this morning. the crews will have to dig up the street to fix the pipe. and now the wednesday traffic. >> we have a big jam up at the bay bridge toll plaza. an early stalled big rig is cleared and now traffic is backed to the overcrossing. and the app shows highway 880 traffic is bumper to bumper because of an early accident at oak that is clear but 580 is back now to the colisieum. eric? >> when we come back our >> when we come back our meteorologis [ male announcer ] citibank's app for ipad

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standard at citibank. >> question have sunshine downtown san francisco with a temperature of 42 and same in oakland and novato is 39, and frosty in santa cruz and livermore at 33 and 31. we are from 8 to 13 degrees warmer than we were this time yesterday, during the afternoon hours i should say. during the afternoon we will be in the low-to-mid 50's at the coast and low 60's not rest of us. frosty inland tonight but a

♪ whole lot of trying just to get up that hill ♪ ♪ now we're up in the big leagues ♪ ♪ getting my turn at bat you and me, baby ♪ ♪ ain't nothing wrong with that ♪ yeah, that was great. one of our favorite moments with robin. she started everyone singing. and you are back this morning. and look at that smile. >> singing everyone's praises right now. hallelujah. >> and everyone out in times

square, right now, cheering, happy to see you. there's that big sign on the nasdaq, welcome back, robin. everyone here. >> there's the big one. the hard rock. >> it's like -- the one the guy made. that one, right there. look at that. >> absolutely great. i have to tell you, when i was at home, watching through my froggy slippers, and i would see people out there, it just really warmed my heart. it's wonderful. after 174 days, i'm back here. >> i have to believe that's one of the reasons you're back here so quickly. >> you know what? when i said, throughout the morning, i want to say thank you. and our viewers -- i want to wait until the end because i won't be able to get through it. but they have been so incredibly wonderful. i appreciate that. we have much more ahead on all of that. i'm being on my best behavior because my doctors are right there. >> make this turn, right now.

>> can't wait to talk to them. but also ahead, sour notes right now for superstar kelly clarkson, blasting music mogul, clive davis. why she says she's refusing to be bullied right now. >> quite a statement. quite a statement. also, look, "play of the day" was not the same without you. >> freeze it. >> we grabbed the very best ones for you. crazy ones, funny ones. and, yes, driving dogs. >> i knew that was going to be there. >> of course, they're there. we have it all for you, coming up. >> all of the goodies are coming back. your doctors are here, we want to talk to them. first, we want to give you a look back at all it took for robin to be here today. >> all right. one more step set. >> reporter: robin's top job, regaining her strength. >> i know my former teammates at southeastern like this go, two? two pounds? that's it?

yeah, that's it. but it's one more pound than i did last time. they did say one before. now, they say two. >> reporter: she's been working with her medical team and yoga instructor ever since her transplant to keep her recovery on track. >> i just love how much stronger i feel. i love it. it's so exciting. >> reporter: and here at "gma," we're doing our part to be ready for her, starting with voluntary staff flu shots. >> this is for robin. otherwise, there would be no flu shot. >> reporter: and a clean workspace. >> see the bright lights, times square, already. >> reporter: under doctors' orders, in late january, robin did rehearsal in the studio, exposing herself to a large group of people and bright studio lights for the first time since last august. now, her doctors would discover if she was strong enough to return to work. >> like butter.

thank you. when you go through something like this, you can either be fearful or fearless. and i choose to be the latter. this is my med slip. it used to be two pages long. and look. >> reporter: and at this doctor's appointment, there was nothing to fear. the news could not be better. >> when can i go back in the studio and sit in that chair? >> set the date and let's plan it together. and joining us, now, two, key members of robin's medical team. dr. sergio giralt. and dr. gail roboz. we have robin's nurses, right across the way. there they are. [ applause ] >> robin's team. >> i didn't recognize them. usually, i saw this much of them. they always had a mask on. but looking wonderful. >> looking fantastic. i have to ask you, starting out,

with the question that all of us that care about robin. it's on the top of our minds. are you sure she was ready to come back right now? and that you didn't let her out a second before she was ready? >> well, this is a collaboration. she didn't strong-arm us. she didn't force us to do it. but she was looking great and feeling very well. and all the numbers were going in the right direction. we didn't exactly have in mind an interview with mrs. obama and the oscars for this weekend as an easy start. i will attest. that was not right up there with what we had in mind for easing back in. but dr. giralt and i are learning to cope. and we're hopeful that the strength that you're showing right now is just going to keep on going. >> there is a certain point, how will you know, we know, robin know, when she's not ready and should take a day. >> we came into this as a test run. we started with dry runs.

wake up at 3:00 in the morning. see how it goes. go into the studio. do what you do as a mock run. today is the dress rehearsal. it's her first show. we're going to see how she feels tomorrow. tomorrow, we're going to debrief. we're going to sit down and talk. how was it? how tired are you? and depending on how this marathon weekend looks and how she feels on monday, will decide, you know, is it good to do three times a week? five times a week? >> you kind of have to restrain the athlete in you, don't you? pushing the envelope here. >> i do. but i have to say, and they know, i have listened to them. and i saw dr. giralt yesterday. and we looked in each other's eyes. and we talked about this morning and how i would feel. and i know that a lot of it is adrenaline. and i want to see how i feel. and he was very honest in saying, some of the patients, they go back a little too soon. and the next morning, they can't get up. but i have to say, physically, physically i feel i have -- i have better platelets than sally-ann right now. so, i'm very grateful.

>> when you check in with yourself, what are you going to be listening for, thinking about? >> i will be listening to them, going back every couple of weeks. we have another bone marrow test in two weeks. but just really listening to my body. and that's what's so important for everyone. i was disappointed, of course, when this happened. being that i had taken such good care of myself. and i think that they will tell you, part of the reason i was able to recover as i have so well, because i had done things before i got to this point. that i was in relatively good health before that time. and i want to say that, well, thank you for everything. but also, thank you for making me a part of clinical trials. i have benefited from those who made themselves available. tell people why it's so important to do that. >> the standard treatments of

today are developed because people, you know, patients before you participated in clinical trials. and in a certain sense, it's our obligations as physicians and patients of today, to develop the standard of care for the patients of tomorrow. you participated in a clinical trial, looking at a different way of preventing one of the most feared of transplants which is when the graft rejects the patient. it's been successful. and we hope this will be establishing a new standard of care. >> what are the next, big milestones we should be looking for right now? >> we're looking at time. time passing is a good thing. as the weeks and months go by, and things start feeling more normal and there are no medications and fewer blood tests and fewer appointments, things start feeling better and better. but we're going to be on your case. that is the honest truth. and we are not letting you go yet. and i have said it before, i don't care who the interview is with.

if you're not well enough to go, you're not going. >> that's what i want to hear. >> robin thanks you. and we want to thank you, as well. >> i want to say this. the nurses, looking over at them, the technicians, the passion and compassion that you have for all of your patients, is admirable. people have given me a standing ovation. we need to give these people a standing ovation. thank you. even in the control room. thank you. thank you. and while we're all standing, we want to tell everyone about a very special edition of "20/20" this friday night about robin's journey. at 10:00, 9:00 central, right here on abc. sam, you have to take it away now. >> the standing ovation is not for you, sam. >> since we have all of the medical professionals in the house, it hurts when i do this.

can i -- gail, can you maybe a little later just take a look? >> absolutely. >> maybe we can -- >> let's get to the boards. we're going to start with some pictures of the big snow, cold shutdown that happened in the middle northwest. this, by the way, as it spreads into the plains, is a shot of cold air that lets everybody know, the next storm system that moves in, that's two to four inches of snow in whiteout conditions. we have a big hit of snow. omaha, chicago, you're involved in this in the coming days. kansas city, oklahoma city. to the south of that, is a long line of >> lots more weather coming up in the next half hour. george? >> thank you, sam. and coming up, kelly clarkson's big clash with music mogul clive davis.

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back, now, at 7:43, with the escalating war of words between kelly clarkson and clive davis, over her hit song, "since you've been gone." the superstar says davis twisted the facts about the song in his new memoir. and abbie boudreau has the details how kelly is fighting back. >> reporter: it's one of the decade's most successful pop hits. but now, this platinum-selling anthem about a bitter breakup is the focus of an even more bitter battle, between singer kelly clarkson, and the man behind it, music mogul clive davis. clarkson came out swinging online late tuesday. accusing her former producer of spreading misinformation. in his new memoir, "the soundtrack of my life." in the book, davis says clarkson, who won "american idol," didn't want to include the now-hit song, "since you've been gone," on her 2004 album.

he says, when he insisted, she, quote, burst into historical sobbing. but the grammy award winner is firing back. clarkson said the only time she cried was when she played davis the song "because of you," which she co-wrote. davis said she was a, quote, expletive writer, who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me. >> it's clear that kelly clarkson has a vivid memory and strong recollection. and she wanted to make that known. >> reporter: this morning's war of words comes just as davis is releasing his memoir. this week, he sat down with lara to talk about his long career. >> i believe in the future of music. i take it seriously. i believe in hard work. >> reporter: this morning, davis isn't discounting clarkson's hard work, just her version of what happened. saying, i am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what i know to be an

accurate depiction of our time together. for "good morning america," abbie boudreau, abc news, los angeles. and coming up, robin's sisters are with us, live. we cannot wait to talk to them. this cold season, nasal congestion won't stop me.

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right then. here's "the play of the day." >> i think it's already happened. welcome back to the couch. we tried to switch it out. but we couldn't. all right. we're running out of time. let's get back into the pool, shall we? our favorite, while you were gone, get in there, buddy. go for it. five, four -- oh. or not. >> here. i'm representing already. >> team robin, all the way. >> absolutely. i'm so excited to have you back. ♪ i'm on top of the world on a walk, walk, walk. love to walk. yeah, we found that wonderful thing. and you smiled. and threw it.

and i decided i would never, ever leave it anywhere. because that wonderful, bouncy, roll-around thing... had made you play. and that... had made you smile. [ announcer ] beneful. play. it's good for you. new almaypop of color intense i-color bold nudes. a neutral palette with a pop of color that makes my green eyes stand out. and there's one for every eye color. who emailed it to emily, who sent it to cindy, who wondered why her soup wasn't quite the same. the recipe's not the recipe... ohhh. [ female announcer ] ...without swanson. the broth cooks trust most when making soup. mmmm!

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[ male announcer ] tim and richard smucker have always loved the taste of just-picked fruit. so it's no wonder why today smucker's makes the world's best jam. found ya! you always find me. you always hide here. [ male announcer ] with a name like smucker's, it has to be good. five days later, i had a massive heart attack. bayer aspirin was the first thing the emts gave me. now, i'm on a bayer aspirin regimen. [ male announcer ] be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. [ woman ] learn from my story. before you begin an aspirin regimen. the people of bp made a commitment to the gulf., and every day since, we've worked hard to keep it. today, the beaches and gulf are open for everyone to enjoy. we've shared what we've learned, so we can all produce energy more safely. bp's also committed to america. we support nearly two-hundred-fifty thousand jobs and invest more here than anywhere else. we're working to fuel america for generations to come. our commitment has never been stronger.

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>> good morning, authorities are investigating a fire in daly city at 91st street that started in front of the apartment around 3:30 this morning after someone set a couch on fire. people had to evacuate the city hall to get out of the cold they are back home but the residents of when unit which was damaged.

>> here is mike with the forecast. >> now, a look at temperatures, 27 in napa for the cool spot, and flea in oakland and 35 in san jose. big story today, temperatures are going to be anywhere from eight to 13 degrees above average in the upper 50's to low 60's and warmer tomorrow and friday. suest. >> if vallejo eastbound 80 at 37 we have an accident here and slowing beyond the scene and north 280, an accident there, also, clearing stages, and we have a but accident westbound that off to the shoulder and you can see slow traffic approaching. eric?

♪ i'm on top of the world it's a morning 174 days in the making. welcome back, robin. the froggy slippers are off. and she's back here in times square, exactly five months to the day from her bone marrow transplant. she's been getting into fighting shape. and now, all of team robin, here from coast-to-coast, with the biggest of welcomes, right now. >> welcome back, robin. >> welcome back, robin. >> welcome back, robin. >> robin's back, only on "good morning america."

♪ i'm on top of the world i'm on top of the world ♪ and a very special crowd out there in times square this morning. and a very special anchor, right by my side. robin roberts is back, everyone. >> thank you. i have a new picture for my facebook page. i love that new picture of us, earlier this morning, all together. fantastic. >> look at all these pictures around times square. let's show everyone, the welcome robin's been getting today. every building everywhere, in times square. >> certainly joined by thousands more, receiving her. there were some arts and crafts going on last night. take a look. we went outside today. so many people to say hello. >> there's the revolving robin head. the giant bracelet.

>> now, her doctors were watching. >> i was keeping distance. >> there may have been a fist-bump or two. >> a young man who comes to all of our concerts in the park was there. >> and there's more. i mean, you know, we know that you didn't want this to be anything but normal and average. so, nothing like -- robin, take a look at a normal day. flying over lady liberty, the statue of liberty. we didn't plan anything big. that banner might just read something like -- >> welcome back, robin. light, love, power, presence. >> it was going to say, will you marry me? and keeping with the regular theme, just a regular day here, another, well, little surprise for you. mandisa and the power of praise mass choir. here for you. ♪ good morning it's a brand-new day ♪

>> walking in right now. >> i love this song. >> whoa. ♪ on my tv good morning ♪ ♪ on abc good morning ♪ ♪ help me kick off my day only place to find them ♪ ♪ is "gma" oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪ >> thank you. thank you. you have helped me so much. and your song, "stronger," i know that you're going to perform that in the last half hour. that's something i played over and over again. as i said at the beginning this morning, everyone's story is important and has meaning and has value. and i am so grateful, so full of gratitude. and i was talking about our

wonderful "gma" family at home. our viewers are not viewers. they are our family. and there was one in particular. i mean, i got prayer shawls. and just the prayers and the facebook posts and all that. and there is one woman that i invited to be here, stacy blank, on twitter. she made an incredible vision board that was so helpful in helping me be focused. >> check it out. >> i would roll over in my bedroom and see this. and there was one thing in particular. it said, you don't know strength until strength is the only choice you have. >> great. >> so, thank you. thank you so very much. >> thank you, stacy. >> we love our viewers. >> that is so great. we have to get some news, though. that's what josh is here for. >> welcome back, once again. we're going to begin in kansas city, where crews, this morning, are searching through the rubble of a shopping complex, after a massive gas explosion flattened

a popular restaurant there. one person remains unaccounted for. more than a dozen people were hurt, at least three of them critically. we'll have updates as news becomes available. also, the weather making news. hundreds of drivers you see here, left stranded in a snowstorm on a mountain highway in california. the same storm system triggered two reported tornadoes in the northern part of the state. sam has that forecast in a few moments. and dramatic testimony this morning in the bail hearing for oscar pistorius, the south african olympic star accused of murdering his girlfriend. today, police there called pistorius a flight risk, claiming he has a home in italy. but his lawyer says that's not true. there is no house in italy. the defense also scored a victory of sorts, revealing that a key witness, who claims she heard pistorius and his girlfriend arguing, was actually the equivalent of a little more than six football fields away at the time. and a major business headline. office max and office depot have

just reached a merger agreement. a $1.2 billion deal that will affect some 70,000 workers. also this morning, house speaker john boehner is taking aim at president obama, accusing him of drumming up outrage over a budget crisis boehner says the president himself created. some $85 billion in government spending cuts will take effect next month unless lawmakers strike a deal. now, the president says hundreds of thousands of american jobs will be lost, if congress fails to reach a compromise. and best-selling crime writer patricia cornwell has won $50 million for suing her money manager. cornwell claimed they were so negligent at one point she was worth only 13 million bucks at one point, despite years of making eight figures. the money managers tried to blame cornwell's $40,000-a-month apartment and her ferrari.

and now, diane sawyer with a preview of tonight's "world news." >> good morning, josh. it's so great to have robin back. tonight on "world news," we're going to be reporting from overseas, as tensions mount over iran's nuclear program. david muir will take all of us deep inside the country. are the sanctions working? and what is iran's next move? we'll have exclusive reports from the streets of iran. >> and we will be watching. finally, talk about getting up close and personal, take a look at this. a whale. and not in need of a rescue, sam. so, stand down. whale watchers off baja, california, got a chance to pet -- this is what i love. got a chance to pet a friendly gray whale, or so they hope. a tour guide said whales love being petted and interacting with humans. >> of course, they do. >> we sure hope because there he was, up close and personal. >> i wish the camera could have put away. sam was like superman -- >> amazing. wetsuit at the ready. >> at the ready.

i'm wearing it now. >> okay. okay. all right. the news that goes pop? >> yes, indeed. it would be my pleasure, miss robin. good morning, everybody. we begin with some oscar news. not long ago, bradley cooper was just an unknown actor, trying to learn everything he could about his craft. take a look at this video. trending big-time online this morning of a young bradley in 1999, as a student at the actor's studio. the 24-year-old picking the brain of oscar-winner sean penn. fast-forward 14 years and that kid is best actor nominee. >> wow. >> also during his time at the actor's studio, he got a chance to ask one robert de niro how to break into the business. the two would later co-star in best picture nominee, "silver linings playbook." and, robin, is that postal service you're wearing?

it is a question that we may all find ourselves asking next year, when a new clothing line will be signed, sealed and delivered by the u.s. postal service. the name of the line, rain, heat and snow, in honor of the elements the postmen endure to deliver the mail. and you know, the postman always rings twice. a line for women is on the way. clearly, they're not mailing it in, looking fashionable. that was a triple-dinger. >> i need a band-aid, all right? >> well, are they including the brown shorts that they wear in the summertime? those are unbelievable. >> first of all -- what can brown do for you? that's u.p.s. >> oh. >> make sure we get it right. >> they're navy blue shorts. >> i know. that's what i meant. >> i'll check. finally, this one is also for you, miss robin. i know you love basketball. >> i do. >> i know you love otters. we would like for you to meet eddie -- yeah, i knew that. eddie is the star of the oregon zoo. at the ripe old age of 16, he may not be a youngster, but the

man got game. he isn't just showing off, either. the deal is that eddie has arthritis. and it's in his elbows. i didn't know otters had elbows. but apparently they do. and it's part of his physical therapy. and according to his trainer, eddie almost never misses. >> i do like that. did you all fight over "play of the day" for that? >> no. >> we don't fight. >> well -- we keep it off the camera. hey, sam? >> nothing i could hear. nothing. this crowd is unbelievable. i have never been happier or more proud to have you guys with the signs you made for robin. robin, in case you missed it, there's your revolving head. and spinning sunshine. look above here. the giant wristband. >> a giant wristband. >> we'll use it as a hula-hoop later. what's your name? >> my name is steve kimble from dallas. >> we're glad you're here. with all of your love for robin.

one or two things we want to show you. we'll start with a picture out of philadelphia. these are the skies to expect, as colder air settles in. we have below-normal temperatures to go along. wrap watch this. 27 in buffalo. 36 in new york. that's a quick look at the weather around the nation. the stormy northwest, brand-new system moves in there. >> this is katie. let's go back inside.

>> thank you so much, sam. great crowd out there. and here's a look at what's coming up on our "gma morning menu." robin's sisters are with us live, for an unforgettable conversation about robin's journey. dressing like a duchess. kate is back to work, revealing a teeny, tiny baby bump. we have details on what she's wearing. and a look at some of our favorite "gma" guest hosts. all that coming up on "gma," live in times square. and here's one more special message from oprah. >> hey, robin. i always knew this day was coming. it came a little sooner than i thought. and you know why i knew it was coming? because you have an angel, lucimarian. she was working it. i told you. welcome back. ♪ i'm on top of the world lucimarian. she was working it. i told you. welcome back. ♪ i'm on top of the world i had enough of feeling embarrassed about my skin.

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hi, robin. i'm 6. i had a bone marrow transplant, too. five years, now. woo hoo. >> you showed all of us not just how to survive, but thrive. >> you're a special inspiration to all of us. >> i can't wait to see you back on the air. i'll be watching. >> our morning shift got brighter. ♪ i'm on top of the world i'm on top of the world ♪ >> thank you so much. >> there's a few extra people on the couch. >> is it bring your siblings to

work day? if you could endure that. great to have my sisters here, sally-ann and dorothy. >> it's great to see you to celebrate. this is a celebration. >> it's wonderful to have all of you here. and wonderful to have all of you respond to robin's story, as we well. i think that was the goal. so many folks have told us their stories. and we want to share with you about spreading the word on how important it is to be the match that can save someone's life. >> yes. >> reporter: from the beginning. >> we've often said to our viewers, you are family. and we want you to hear things from us. >> reporter: from that very first emotional announcement. >> all that prepared me for a bone marrow transplant. >> reporter: robin was clear on one thing. using this personal setback to spread life-saving information to others. >> bethematch.org said they got a tremendous amount of response. >> unbelievable. >> wanting to be a donor.

this really means a lot. >> reporter: none of us could have guessed how quickly these seeds of knowledge would grow into life-saving action. >> that's a cool opportunity to have. >> reporter: hundreds of miles away, tim gilligan logged on to his computer and saw this. >> are you ready to meet this young man? >> i'm ready to meet the man who saved my life. >> reporter: our segment on the meeting of a bone marrow donor and the woman he saved. >> i just want to say thank you. >> what an effect he had on someone else's life at such a young age. what an awesome thing to do. i went home that night and signed up the same night. >> i came home that night, i found something we're doing. he was really excited about it. he was, we're going to do this. >> reporter: the gilligans had been looking for a way to teach their two, small boys the importance of helping others. this seemed like the perfect

life lesson. >> i didn't know anything about the registry and how easy it was to sign up. >> reporter: some people who sign up to be a donor, could never be asked to donate. but fate had a different plan for tim. his phone rang two months later. >> i did it in late august. and i think it was october that i got the call that i was a match. >> reporter: somewhere in the world was a woman with leukemia. and tim was a perfect match. >> this is exactly why you sign up. it could be someone's mother, sister or aunt. she's someone to someone else, even though we don't know her. >> when you sign up or do anything in good in general, in some way, you're doing it to help someone else. but it's also sort of selfish reasons, as well, because it makes you feel good. tim gilligan, i'm here for an apartment. >> reporter: at the crack of dawn one cold, january morning, tim and kerra made their way to the dana farber institute in boston. >> you are a hero. and you know that. >> reporter: and started the process of donating.

an hour later, those first, precious stem cells start to flow. >> there's a lot of disconceptions about donated stem cells. it's an easy process. some donors experience mild fatigue and mild joint pain. but that usually subsides within a couple of days of donation. >> reporter: eight hours after tim came into the hospital, mission accomplished. >> it was like sitting in a chair all day, watching movies. >> reporter: a cooler with precious cargo races out the door, on the way to that leukemia patient. >> i want robin to know that she did have an impact. she did the show. she put it on the air. but it worked. someone got matched. now, tim is going in a few months later to potentially save this woman's life. >> reporter: it's an ongoing chain of hope. from robin's journey. to tim's journey. to the new mission of those life-saving cells, giving someone a second chance. >> he understands, daddy's going

to help a sick lady. i want them to know that he did everything he could to help someone he doesn't even know. >> that's what it's all about. what an example he is for his children. and that's why we do what we do. my sister, sally-ann, my sister, dorothy. and everyone knows sally-ann, you were my donor. that brings back some memories in watching. >> oh, yes. and it also brings up, to me, the tremendous feeling of accomplishment to be able to know that there's something in your body that can help somebody else. in my case, my sister. and i just want to get the word out to as many people as possible. please, join the registry. please, join the be the match bone marrow registry because there's somebody out there that could use you. and sometimes the fear, what's going to happen? >> how do you feel?

people have been asking me all along. >> i feel fine. it was the easiest thing in the world to be a donor. i'm amazed at your strength. you were the one who was strong. you were the one who had to endure so much in order to receive the transplant. you went through the chemo. and you stood the test. you stood the test. you passed the test. and you know that there are prayers that went -- my prayer partner, phyllis alexander, who is here today. phyllis and i pray every, single day. >> i remember when you were praying when they were doing the swabbing. i thought dorothy, because we're closer in age, that dorothy was going to be the donor. people think, we all have siblings on this couch, and we feel that it will be automatic. and dorothy was not a match. and sally-ann was. what a blessing you were not because you were there to take

care of momma. >> we all have a role to play in our family. i knew i wasn't going to be the match. i think it would have overwhelmed me. and it was a privilege and an honor to be there with mom and take care of her. and so many people, though, did so many things for you on the coast, with the swabbin' for robin, and the mississippi gulf coast, boys and girls club. you know, we just -- people just love you. and we are just so grateful to all of them for it. >> we are. we're following mom's legacy. and you all were there, everyone on this couch was there, when momma passed away. you came down to mississippi. george, you left the convention. >> the democratic convention. >> boy, i saw -- how much the community loved you. and i saw some strong genes there. >> morning television, as well, in new orleans. and your station has done a remarkable job. >> i can't say enough about wwl. >> and gives the call letters. >> as well as the entire metro

area. new orleans metro area. they were out in drives. they answered the call, as well. and there's been so many prayers. and this family, i want to say, to abc, you truly have been the real deal. you've been there for robin through thick and thin. and we cannot thank you enough for all you have done for our sister, robin. >> i know going home, for your mother's home going, i was so struck by that community. it was an overwhelming feeling of welcome, of comfort, of support. and it all made perfect sense, all of a sudden, to see you all there, with the people from which you sprung. it was amazing. it was amazing. >> i do want to say something. we do have a brother.

we have a brother. and we were recently all together down on the coast. and my brother is a schoolteacher in houston and a basketball coach. and he took time off to be with us, just a short time ago. so, he wasn't able to take time off again. but what a wonderful blessing it is to have family and extended family here. >> you are our family. it's amazing. we love having you here. if you need more, because there's a lot more of robin's journey, by the way. there's a special "20/20" that's happening this friday, at 10:00, 9:00 central. guess whose face is going to be glued to that set? mine. by the way, be the match. let's make a difference for somebody out there. more coming up. stay with us, everybody. hey, robin, this is josh turner here on the stage of the world-famous grand ole opry. i have a few friends who want to

say hello to you. >> welcome back, robin. >> now, from abc7 news, good morning. repairs are planned after a water main break flooded parts of san francisco's north beach this morning. i will show you the scene, officials have closed the mason street cable car line for the morning as a precaution. muni will run a bus in the area. 12" water main burst shortly after 2:00 a.m. it has been turned off. crews will have to dig up the street to fix the pipe. >> the morning commute has problems out there.

sue? >> a couple of trouble spots, westbound 80 before central, and richmond, a stall blocking a right lane of traffic and track is backed up to apian way and north 880, the accident is goned but it is jammed. and southbound 101, reports of a new accident at sir francis drake. >> we will check with our

we are still freezing in napa and santa rosa at 32 and everyone else in the upper 30's to low 40's and even 43 in oakland. we will jump eight to 13 degrees today above year's highs when we were in the 40's to near 50 we will be in the 50's to near 60. freezing ♪ ♪ no matter how far don't worry, baby ♪ ♪ i'll be there in a hurry you don't have to worry ♪ ♪ 'cause robin there ain't no mountain high enough ♪ ♪ ain't no valley low enough ain't no river wide enough ♪ ♪ to keep me from getting to you ♪ [ cheers and applause ]

i love -- i love hearing music. music, music, music, got me through a difficult time. thank you, mandisa, for being here. so gorgeous. we have a lot to get to here. i mean, look. there you are, 12 stories high. look at times square. it is lit up. and look at all the folks who came out today, by the thousands. it was arts and crafts night in every midtown manhattan hotel. >> we apologize, by the way. we didn't just decorate our backyard. people have been coming in, with messages, from all over the country. here's a special one, i think. >> okay. >> well, i am delighted to know that robin is coming back on the air. we have missed you. we're delighted. we're going to be able to tune in and see you. and i hope you have a fabulous time. so, since i don't have any

prospects for employment at the moment, i will be able to tune in and watch you. so, wave to me, robin, okay? >> and there's a lot of people who did come in and really help out. >> absolutely. so many people have joined us to help keep robin's seat warm while she was away. members of our own abc family, like amy and elizabeth vargas. also, guest hosts, oprah, jerry seinfe seinfeld, rob lowe. here's a look back at the hosts who set their alarm clocks extra early to help out. >> a big crowd out there. our special co-host, jessica simpson. >> josh groban is with us. >> charlie sheen. >> bruce willis.

>> rob lowe. >> good morning, america. >> good morning, america. >> good morning, america. >> really? that's all you got? >> okay. good morning, america. >> michael strahan. >> good morning, america. >> a special guest. >> what is it like to be driven to work by the george stephanopoulos? robin, let me say, i love sitting in with your tv family. i'm sitting here for you. >> jerry seinfeld. >> if you're just getting up, you're fired. great to be here. i got to go. >> stephen colbert. >> best way to start the day. just a float of mountain dew. it will get you there, man. cheers. >> sofia, tell me it's not like that in colombia every, single day. >> of course, it is.

♪ just a smalltown girl living in a lonely world ♪ ♪ took the midnight train going anywhere ♪ ♪ don't stop believing >> and robin roberts, i want you to be looking right now because we're all channeling you through our shoes, right here. froggy slippers. we know you're wearing them at home. robin, are you there? >> oh, yes. i am here. ♪ ain't no mountain high enough ain't no valley low enough ♪ ♪ ain't no river wide enough to keep me from you ♪ >> standing in for you, robin. >> we're keeping your desk warm for you. ♪ keep me from getting to you >> it was a real gift, a real gift to be able to be at home

and be a viewer. i've never been able to do that. and to amy and to elizabeth, i know people say, well, that's their job. they're your colleagues. no, they're my friends. and the way you all were with each other, really, you're forever a part of the "gma" family. >> thank you. we were rooting for you the whole time. and so thrilled you're back today. so happy. all of our love. >> yes. how did you put up with this one? >> robin, you set the tone, though. you set the tone for the family. while everyone missed you, everyone was rooting for you. and it bonded everyone together in a way that was palpable and real. thank you for creating this. and this is your day. >> our day. >> your day. >> something that morgan, one of our producers, she sent me an e-mail last night. she said, we're there for you. and she said, tomorrow is a great day for us. and that's what it is. it really is. >> take a look at that crowd in

this room. everybody who is -- is anyone running abc right now? the president of abc. is anyone minding the store? is there breaking news happening? >> i want to say real quick. what a staff. this was an off-the-grid thing. you guys, each and every day. thank you so much for getting the show on the air. >> thank you. >> in the control room can get to the local stations. let's do a little weather. let's look outside our doors and tell you what's going on. your twitter and facebook pictures. by the way, you have made robin everything trending on twitter today. welcome back, robin, in a hash tag. you want to keep that going. a little shot of georgia -- that's california this morning. looked like a "g" to me. that would have been very different in georgia. you didn't have that going on there. there's a look at the storms.

there's 20 states, now, that have the winter storm watches and warnings out. so, we're keeping an >> we get to hang out here a little longer. george, though, is downstairs. all that weather was brought to you by aarp. i'm counting down to oscar sunday with katie couric. she has a special on tonight. "countdown to oscar with katie couric." she goes in the oscar archives. >> i have a sneak peek, george. and i know how to clear a room. everyone's upstairs. so great to be here on such a wonderful day. so happy robin's back, for all of you. and looking great and feeling well. so important. and i'm looking forward to her

hosting the red carpet show. >> that's going to be special. >> prior to the oscars on sunday. millions of people all around the globe tune in to see the awards, to see their favorite celebrities wearing their favorite fashions at the most glamorous part of the year. things don't always go as planned. i went inside the vault to look at the mishaps and unexpected moments. after all, it's a live show. and anything can happen. flubs. >> and marvin hamsmish. >> who? >> at the break. >> reporter: and fumbled. >> thank you. i do my own stunts. >> reporter: oscar is at its best when he goes off-script. >> wait a minute. there's a leg stuck. wait a minute. >> it's a live show. and anything can happen. that adds to the incredible excitement around the show because no matter how carefully

scripted it is, you don't know what's going to happen next. >> reporter: from unidentified falling objects. [ laughter ] >> well -- >> reporter: to oscar and envelopes gone awol. >> i don't have the envelope. >> reporter: during the 1973 oscar show, clint eastwood found himself in the hot seat. >> supposed to be charlton heston, part of the show. but somehow he hasn't shown up. >> reporter: preston was late with a flat tire. and 12 minutes into the show, eastwood was plucked from the audience to cover for him. >> come on. flip the card, man. this isn't my bag, i'll tell you. >> reporter: and just in the nick of time -- heston makes his day. in 2003 -- adrien brody gave us oscar's team steamiest surprise. >> adrien brody. >> he gets up on stage. and there is halle berry.

and he just plants one on her. >> i'll bet you they didn't tell you that was in the gift bag. >> reporter: and a look back at the unexpected just would not be complete without this jaw-dropping moment. arguably the most shocking in oscar's 85-year history. but presenter david niven barely skipped a beat. >> probably the only man that man will get in his life, by stripping off his shorts and showing his shortcomings. >> reporter: even a cool elizabeth taylor found herself hot and bothered as she tried to present the next award. >> that's a pretty hard act to follow. >> reporter: but on the oscar stage, the show must go on. >> i'm nervous. that really upset me. i think i'm jealous. >> reporter: even if it leaves you blushing. so, from the unscripted shockers to hilarious and moving speeches, we look back at some

of the greatest moments. including more surprises in tonight's special. >> a lot of home movies, right? >> there's 160,000 reels in the academy's vault. enough to go around the world 1 1/2 times. and included in that film footage are home movies with people like marilyn monroe on the set of "the misfits" looking kind of bored. vivian lee chatting it up with the actors between scenes in "gone with the wind." it's really interesting stuff. >> and david niven was so quick. >> wasn't he? and we have a really cute interview with billy crystal and whoop pi, talking about the challenges of hosting. >> "mad about oscar" airs tonight at 10:00, 9:00 central on abc. and coming up, much more.

back, now, with mandisa. her song, "stronger," from the album, "what if we were real," really helped me get through my recovery. she's going to sing it for us in a moment. i love the beyonce fan here.

did you see this? mandisa, thank you so much for being here. and you were here a few days before i took my medical leave. and you sang this song. you gave me the cd. and i have listened to it over and over again. what does the song "stronger" mean to you? >> it's just for people like you who are walking through the time if they don't have the strength on their own, we can tap into the strength of god. and he will pull us through and make us stronger on the other side. >> i do feel stronger on the other side. are you ready to be inspired? here's mandisa, singing her number one hit, "stronger." thank you, my friend. bless, y'all. ♪ hey, heard you were up all night thinking about how your world ain't right ♪ ♪ and you wonder if

things will ever get better ♪ ♪ you're asking why is it always raining on you ♪ ♪ when all you want is just a little good news ♪ ♪ instead of standing there struck out in the weather ♪ ♪ oh, don't hang your head it's gonna end ♪ ♪ god's right there even if it's hard to see him ♪ ♪ i promise you that he still cares ♪ ♪ when the waves are taking you under ♪ ♪ hold on just a little bit longer ♪ ♪ he knows this is gonna make you stronger, stronger ♪ ♪ the pain ain't gonna last forever ♪ ♪ and things can only get better ♪ ♪ believe me, this is gonna make you stronger ♪ ♪ stronger, stronger believe me ♪ ♪ this is gonna make you

stronger ♪ ♪ try and do the best you can ♪ ♪ hold on and let him hold your hand ♪ ♪ and go on and fall into the arms of jesus ♪ ♪ oh, lift your head it's gonna end ♪ ♪ god's right there even when you just ♪ ♪ can't feel him i promise you he still cares ♪ ♪ 'cause hold on just a little bit longer ♪ ♪ he knows this is going to make you stronger, stronger ♪ ♪ the pain is going to last just a little longer ♪ ♪ this is going to make you better ♪ ♪ it's going to make you stronger ♪ ♪ if he started this work in your life ♪ ♪ he will be faithful to complete it ♪ ♪ if only you believe it he knows how much it hurts ♪ ♪ and i'm sure that

he's gonna help you get through this ♪ >> do you believe it out there? if you believe it, come on. let me hear you sing it along with us. ♪ when the waves are taking you under ♪ ♪ hold on just a little bit longer ♪ ♪ he knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger ♪ ♪ the paint ain't gonna last forever ♪ ♪ in time, it's gonna get better ♪ ♪ believe me this is gonna make you ♪ ♪ stronger gonna make you stronger ♪ ♪ stronger stronger ♪ ♪ believe me it's gonna make you stronger ♪ ♪ gonna make you stronger ♪ ♪ gonna make you strong er ♪

♪ just hold on just a little longer ♪ ♪ the pain ain't gonna last forever ♪ ♪ it's only going to make you stronger ♪ ♪ hey, hey, hey [ cheers and applause ]

robin, want to say, welcome back. and congratulations on beating it yet again. you are a true inspiration. i got you a laker jersey. >> everything's spinning in our world again. >> robin, this is your boy, dwight howard. i'm so happy to see you back on tv. ♪ i got nothing but love for you, baby ♪ ♪ nothing but love for you ♪ i'm on top of the world

i want to thank you for doing what nobody did. you brought the lakers together this year. here it is. >> nba's been great. the hawks sent me a jersey. the knicks, everyone. >> and the lakers. >> so did the lakers. this has been so amazing. i have so many people to thank. my sisters, dorothy, sally-ann. i just look around. rich, you were one of the first with diane. bob iger with disney. anne sweeney, come up here. with abc television. i said this before, i know how blessed i am, and how lucky i am. there's many people who take an extended medical leave. and they don't have a job to come back to. and i have a wonderful job. and thank you. thank you so much, anne, and bob. ben sherwood, our abc news president, tom sabrowski, our

producer of "good morning america." >> so many people have been sending us things, as well. we want to say thank you to our friends at the "today" show, for sending a basket. and also, a donation to be the match. >> oh, that's wonderful. we're bringing everybody together. and morning tv. >> buddy. >> robin, the whole staff, this is for you. and it's your favorite, red velvet. >> now that i have sally's cells, i have a sweet tooth. it's true. it's working out really well. thank you, buddy. >> we got cake for everyone. we love you, robin. we're so happy you're back. and god bless you. you look so beautiful. i'm so happy for you. >> thank you, buddy.

>> let's eat. >> yeah. >> all right

[ cheers and applause ]

>> now from abc7 news, the richmond city council is considering a plan to reduce blight, passing the first reading of a new ordinance to require owners to submit a written statement on how they plan to maintain property while it is vacant. richmond had a problem with people dumping garbage and wake in yards on vacant homes. now, we will check with mike nicco. >> eight to 13 degrees warmer than yesterday which is the big change in the weather today. now, the high temperatures, yesterday we were stuck in the 40's to near 50 and today we will be in the upper 50's to

near 60 but for let to mid-50's at the coast of the frosty inland tomorrow morning, and a warming trend tomorrow afternoon. sue? >> multi-car injury crash, san jose, northbound 101 at tully, but it should be cleared in five minutes and a signature alert in vallejo to eastbound 80 while the clean up continues on that accident. >> kelly: it's time. michael: definitely. it's time. time for a change. kelly: time to laugh. michael: time to play. kelly: time to get together. michael: time to make some new friends. kelly: time to make some memories. it's time. michael: oh, yeah. it's time. good times. kelly: great times. fun times. michael: it's time to go to disney world.

kelly: grab the mouse! announcer: from walt disney world, it's "live! with kelly & michael." today, from "the big bang theory," actor johnny galecki. and kelly's all revved up for her ride of disney's test track. then, chris wallace sings his new song, "remember when." plus, two families go head-to-head in "live"'s "disney family faceoff." and now, please welcome the cast of "the festival of the lion king." [cheers and applause] ♪ [cheers and applause] ♪ it's the circle of life ♪